Would decriminalization help Mexico in its war against drug cartels?

Instructions

Term Paper

The research paper is your opportunity to go more deeply into a topic.  As was the case for the short papers, my goal is that you become very comfortable with such scholarly journals as the Journal of Economic Perspectives (JEP) or the Journal of Economic Literature (JOL).  As a result, the majority of the research paper’s content must be derived from these or other scholarly academic journals.  Other permissible sources are the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Congressional Research Service (CRS), or any paper in the NBER Working Paper series.  If you are in doubt regarding the acceptability of a journal, google the following phrase: “rankings of economic journals”.  If the journal is listed highly in the ranking then you are generally okay.  But, to avoid problems, feel free to check with me.

Rubric:  Team Paper

Your grade on the research paper will be based on two broad criteria: content and style.  In terms of content, start with an introduction that describes the issue or economic problem.  Next, provide all the necessary background to understand the issue, ranging from data that relates to the problem and an economic model or analysis that helps the reader understand the issue.  Present the results from the application of the theory or model.  Lastly, summarize your major findings or conclusions.

Style is important.  This includes how the paper is organized and how well it is written.  It should flow easily and logically and it should not have any grammatical errors.

The paper should be no more than 6-pages, single-spaced with a 12 pt font and 1 inch margins.  Charts, figures, and the bibliography are not part of the 6 page limit.  In fact, place them at the end of the paper.  The style of the paper (section headings, organization, footnote practices and listing of references) should follow that used by the Journal of Economic Perspectives.  If possible, organize the paper as follows:

1. Introduction
   1. Introduce the topic
   2. Describe any existing debate or controversy; or, explain why it is an important topic.
2. Main body of the paper
   1. Facts, data related to understanding the topic
   2. Models or concepts useful to understand the topic
   3. Major findings or conclusions from the analysis or empirical studies that have a bearing on the topic

• Conclusion

2. Charts, figures, etc.

On the next page is the rubric for the research paper.  Please be cognizant of the weights placed on each criteria.